Let’s just put this into prospective, It is very sensible for the two Chief Ministers to be talking to each other and there is much we can do to reduce costs in both islands by having shared services. Also on external relations matters, there is no doubt that we shout louder as a single voice, the islands as low tax jurisdictions are under constant attack and we have to fend those attacks off and show the world that having low tax rates does not equate to tax wholesale avoidance. Money laundering or all the other things we are accused of facilitating. Of course Guernsey and Jersey will have some different business models and that is healthy competition but the gains we will get in procurement of goods and services especially in our Health and education services could be substantial. As for a shared office in the UK, I am not in favour of that, I understand why we share an office in Brussels but I can see no material advantages of one in Westminster, the lines of communication between the islands and the MOJ / Privy Council have improved and our direct liaison with the Crown is through the Lt Governor’s office. It would be just another level of bureaucracy that the taxpayer would have to fund. The fact is that the world eyes us with suspicion and we are stronger in many areas as one. The States in both islands will continue to pass legislation best suited to its individual needs and we don’t have to become a carbon copy of each other in order to work together where it is to our mutual advantage.
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
